Innovative port simulation suite: Royal HaskoningDHV features in new documentary

Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) owns and operates a property portfolio including the Milford Fish Docks, as well as being the UK’s largest port distributor of energy and energy fuels. As a natural deep water port, Milford Haven also attracts a number of day-call cruise vessels each year.

In 2016, MHPA took the decision to invest in a full bridge simulation suite in order to train their pilots more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Earlier that year, Royal HaskoningDHV had been commissioned to carry out a feasibility study for a new day-call cruise berth which would allow vessels to berth alongside a dedicated facility built from the Port of Milford Haven’s existing harbour walls.

The two projects ran side-by-side, and by early 2017 the simulation suite was fully operational.

To promote the launch, MHPA commissioned a video documentary about the facility and its benefits, using the proposed cruise berth as the main focus – charting the project from the feasibility stage through to the finished design.

Tim Davies, Royal HaskoningDHV’s Sector Director for Passenger & Vehicle Terminals took part in the documentary and said: “Using the new simulation suite, it’s possible to successfully manoeuvre cruise vessels on to and off the new berth in a variety of different environmental conditions. The results of those simulations will provide crucial information that can be used to inform the construction process once Milford Haven gets to that stage in the process.

“The port currently has no purpose-built cruise berth, and this offers a fantastic alternative to improve the experience of visiting cruise vessels and their passengers.”

MHPA are currently in discussions with regarding to funding the new day-call cruise berth, in order for the project to move ahead. In the meantime, the simulation suite positions the authority as a leader in the industry, and offers a significant opportunity to work with other ports around the country looking to develop new berths in a similar way.